Five takeaways from the 2019-20 Oregon men's basketball schedule

Five takeaways from the 2019-20 Oregon men's basketball schedule

The Pac-12 Conference released the schedule for the 2019-20 men's basketball season. Coming off a run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, the Ducks currently have just eight players eligible to play, led by star point guard Payton Pritchard and two returners from last season's team; Francis Okoro and Will Richardson.

A few takeaways from Oregon's schedule;

-Oregon will host USC and UCLA, but won’t make a return trip to Los Angeles as part of this year’s rotation.

-Oregon travels to Washington and Washington State and will also meet just once.

-A home-heavy tail end; Oregon will play five of its last seven games at home for the first time since 2015-16.

-Mark your calendars! The Pac-12 Tournament, which Oregon won over Washington last season, will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas March 11-14.

-Things are changing; Next season, the conference moves to a 20-game conference schedule, which includes 10 pairings instead of nine.

Oregon will play five of its last seven Pac-12 men’s basketball games at home in 2019-20.

The conference announced the Pac-12 pairings for the 2019-20 season on Monday.

Oregon will open the league season at the mountain schools, Colorado and Utah, the weekend of Jan. 4.

The Ducks’ Pac-12 home opener will come a week later against Arizona and Arizona State.

The only regular season meetings between Oregon and the Washington schools comes the weekend of Jan. 18, when Oregon treks to Seattle and Pullman.

The Ducks return to Matthew Knight Arena to host UCLA and USC the weekend of Jan. 25. Oregon will not play in Los Angeles this year.

Then it’s three-straight road games for the Ducks with California and Stanford in the Bay Area the weekend of Feb. 1 and a trip to Corvallis the weekend of Feb. 8.

After the Civil War, the schedule flips with five-of-seven games at Matthew Knight Arena.

Colorado and Utah are in town the weekend of Feb. 15.

The Ducks make their final road trip of the year to Arizona and ASU the weekend of Feb. 22.

The 2019-20 regular season wraps with OSU visiting Eugene the weekend of Feb. 29 followed by Cal and Stanford the weekend of March 7.

This will be the first time since the 2015-16 season that the Ducks will play five of their last seven games at home.

The 2019 Pac-12 Tournament will be held March 11-14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Monday’s announcement reflects the games being played and the home/away designations each week of the Pac-12 regular season. Specific dates and times for each game within a week will be announced later this summer after selections by the league’s television partners are finalized. All 108 Conference games will be televised by either Pac-12 Network, ESPN/2/U, FOX/FS1 or CBS.

Oregon’s 2019-20 non-conference schedule will also be released in the coming weeks.

Some non-conference dates previously announced include Memphis in the Phil Knight Invitational Nov. 12 at the Moda Center in Portland, the Battle for Atlantis Nov. 27-29 in the Bahamas and a road game at Michigan on Dec. 14.

This will be the final season that teams will play an 18-game Pac-12 schedule. The conference announced this past May that it will transition to a 20-game league schedule beginning with the 2020-21 season.

Social media reacts: Oregon's defense the real deal heading into conference play

Social media reacts: Oregon's defense the real deal heading into conference play

The No. 15 Oregon Ducks are coming off back-to-back dominant performances. After separating the Pack, the Nevada Wolf Pack that is, 77-6 last Saturday, the Ducks picked up right where they left off on Saturday vs. the Motana Grizzlies. Not only did senior quarterback Justin Herbert once again spread the love (11 different Ducks scored against Nevada and Herbert threw for five touchdowns vs. Montana), the Ducks defense has really shown impressive strides under first-year defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.

A stat to prove it: the Ducks gave up eight rushing yards to Montana.

Here is more on what the people are saying about this 2019 Oregon Ducks squad heading into Pac-12 play:

Instant analysis: Oregon trounces Montana in final non-conference game

Instant analysis: Oregon trounces Montana in final non-conference game

On a perfect 70 degree early fall night, the Oregon Ducks won their final non-conference game vs. Montana in front of rowdy 49,098 fans in Autzen Stadium. The dominating win extends Oregon’s streak of consecutive wins over non-conference opponents at home to 25, a stretch that dates back to 2008.

The victory also improves the Ducks' record to 8-1 at home under Coach Mario Cristobal.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Hello, Herbert!

After an underwhelming start last Saturday, quarterback Justin Herbert was dialed in from the first play and didn’t take his foot off the gas. The senior began the game a perfect 10-for-10 for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

He slung the ball up and down the field and made impressive heads up plays, spreading the wealth to nine different receivers.

Herbert Highlight: With one minute left in the first half, Herbert lead the Ducks on a five-play 67-yard touchdown drive. With 10 seconds left to play, Herbert scrambled out of two sacks to whip the ball to the back of the end zone, finding Johnny Johnson III to extend the Ducks’ lead to 21-0. The touchdown was Johnson III’s first of the season.

Oh by the way, Herbert extended his nation-leading streak of 31 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. He also became the only quarterback in Oregon history to throw five touchdown passes in back-to-back games.

Jacob Breeland is the new Dillon Mitchell?

One of the biggest questions entering the 2019 football season is which Duck would become Herbert’s go-to receiver with the departure of Dillon Mitchell to the NFL? Coming off his first 100-yard receiving game, tight end Jacob Breeland stared again vs. Montana and is looking the part.

The 6-foot-5 250-pound senior was the first Duck to find the end zone on a perfectly placed 5-yard touchdown pass from Herbert on the opening drive. Breeland scored again on a 16-yard pass in the second quarter.

Breeland has scored three touchdowns in Oregon’s first three games. Keep in mind, the most touchdowns scored by a Duck tight end in one season is eight.

Mase Funa is the real deal

Oregon’s defense constantly pestered Montana quarterback Dalton Sneed. UO’s defense allowed only eight rushing yards, which is the fewest since vs. Cal in 2017. True freshman Mase Funa, playing the STUD position, made a big impression early. After earning his first career start, Funa got a sack to end Montana's opening drive. He had two sacks in the first half.

Oregon football's week three uniform combo is sleek

Oregon football's week three uniform combo is sleek

Pac-12 Conference play is on the horizon! In Oregon's final non-conference game vs. Montana, the No. 15 Ducks will be wearing Oregon Yellow and Nightmare Green, the newest color addition. Fans are encouraged to wear yellow. Kickoff is at 7:55 p.m. (PT), Saturday Sept. 14th in Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Oregon's "Nike Vapor Fusion" uniform is celebrating its 20th anniversary of their partnership with Nike. The winged helmets are back and the jerseys feature large "Mighty Oregon" font resembling last season's "Oregon Football 2.0" uniform with slight differences. The addition of ‘Nightmare Green’ is the biggest change while notably no black set was released (yet).

The Ducks massively overmatch the Grizzlies in the 'Pac-12 After Dark' game. Montana (2-0) has won four of their last five road games and look to improve to 3-0 with a monster road upset over Oregon (1-1). A Duck win would mark Oregon's 25th consecutive nonconference home win.

Mailbag: Which true freshman has been most impressive through two games?

Mailbag: Which true freshman has been most impressive through two games?

Oregon's final non-conference game is this Saturday, which provides the opportunity to learn a lot about the entire Ducks roster. This week's mailbag focuses on true freshmen, season predictions, and injuries to the wide receiver position.

He’s comfortable in Andy Avalos’ STUD position because it is a similar position to what he played in high school. Although, Funa played at 245 pounds in high school and is currently at 268 pounds after missing his senior season with an injury. His goal is to get closer to 255 pounds, which the 6-foot-2 freshman feels most natural at.

"He's got a lot pent up now," Oregon Coach Mario Cristobal said. "He missed his entire senior season due to injury. This is his first action in over a year. It's impressive to see what he's done so far, but again, his best football is ahead of him."

I believe Funa will continue to have success this season in the hybrid linebacker/defensive end position backing up senior Bryson Young.

Who/what are you watching for in another non-conference should-be blowout?

The obvious answer here is backup quarterback Tyler Shough. Non-conference games are a great way to gauge the redshirt freshman’s development and command of the game. In last week’s 77-6 beat down of Nevada, Shough found success and gave fans a little insight into the future as Herbert’s heir. In the most substantial playing time of his career, Shough threw his first college pass and finished 8-of-9 for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

I’m watching to see if he will build off his performance. He made solid decisions and showed his accurate arm. Now, it’s time to see his sneaky fast wheels he’s been working on and if he can top his longest pass of 21 yards. If he gets in the game with starters, what will the chemistry be like?

I’m excited to watch two true freshmen in particular: corner back Mykael Wright and running back Sean Dollars. Both received a lot of praise coming out of fall camp and Saturday is likely their best chance for some serious playing time.

Of course, hind sight is 20-20. In week two, quarterback Justin Herbert racked up 310 passing yards and five touchdowns. However, the Nevada defense paled in comparison to Auburn’s. This Saturday against Montana, expect the Ducks to go long again.

This time last season, 12 different Ducks had scored touchdowns before Herbert narrowed in on favorite target Dillon Mitchell.

Oregon’s current win-loss total projection is 9.9 wins. Oregon opened 2019 with a 35.2 percent chance of winning the Pac-12 North and conference title, according to ESPN’s football power index. Following week two, Oregon's likelihood to win the division and the title have surged to 52.4 percent. Utah is second with a 19.7 percent projection to win the conference championship game.

We are entering week three so a lot can change but I predict Oregon will win 10 games and play for the conference championship. If I were you, the sneaky game I would be concerned about is vs. Washington State. I'm impressed with what Anthony Gordon has done in two games leading the Cougar offense. He’s another perfect fit for Mike Leach’s offense.

1. Thursdays and Sundays just became your Oregon men’s basketball days

Once the Ducks begin Pac-12 play at Colorado on Thursday, Jan. 2, 16 of Oregon’s 18 games are played on a Thursday or Saturday. The two games Oregon plays on Sunday are at UCLA on Sunday, Jan. 26 and vs. Utah on Sunday, Feb. 26.

2. Changes are coming

This is the last 18-game conference schedule rotation. In May, the Pac-12 announced that it will transition to a 20-game schedule beginning with the 2020-21 season.

3. Circle you calendars for these ones

Defending Pac-12 Tournament champions Oregon vs. Pac-12 regular season champions Washington meet in the third week. The Ducks visit the Huskies in their lone matchup of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18. On Thursday, Jan. 2, the Ducks will look to win their first ever game at Colorado in their season opener.

4. Welcome to the Pac-12

For the first time since 2014-15, three head coaches will make their Pac-12 debuts this season (California’s Mark Fox, UCLA’s Mick Cronin and Washington State’s Kyle Smith).

5. Early expectations

Five Pac-12 teams – Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, USC and Washington – appear on several national media outlets’ early top 25 rankings for the 2019-20 campaign.

6. Viva Las Vegas

The Pac-12 Tournament returns for its fourth year at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas from March 11-14, 2020.

7. Tough from the start

The Ducks will face eight teams in nonconference play that played in the postseason last season, including four NCAA Tournament teams in Houston, Michigan, Seton Hall and Montana.

8. Back in Matthew Knight Arena

Oregon’s Pac-12 home opener is Jan. 9 against Arizona, followed by Arizona State on Jan. 11.

9. A home-heavy tail end

Oregon will play five of its last seven games at home for the first time since 2015-16.

10. Television partners are finalized

Oregon will be featured in 18 national broadcasts by either the ESPN family of networks, CBS or Fox and FS1 during the 2019-20 season.

Florida State is hiring former Oregon defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt as a defensive analyst, reuniting with former Oregon Coach Willie Taggart. Taggart has not been shy about his disappointment in the Seminoles' defense, which has given up double-digit leads in its first two games and ranks last nationally in first downs allowed (64).

Leavitt has been out of college coaching since “mutually parting ways” with Oregon after the 2018 season. As the sixth-highest paid assistant in the nation, Leavitt was earning $1.7 million annually and under contract for two more years. He is being paid $2.5 million “over multiple years” from Oregon, which will now be subject to reduction based on employment.

Leavitt stayed behind in 2018 when Taggart took the Seminoles job, hoping to land the head-coaching position at Oregon. Mario Cristobal landed the job and the two never saw eye to eye. Oregon’s 2018 defense regressed to 55th in the nation, which wasn’t the type of production that Oregon had paid $1.7 million to receive.

Leavitt’s role at FSU is to assist Seminoles defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett to help with devising game plans. Florida State currently ranks No. 121 in scoring defense and No. 124 in total defense.

“No, I wasn’t happy with the way our defense played,” Taggart said after beating Louisiana-Monroe, 45-44 in overtime. “I don’t think anyone was happy. I don’t think our defense was happy or anyone associated with Florida State football was happy with the way our defense played. We have to play better. We have to make sure we find ways to make sure we fix the problems and make sure we put our guys in the best position to make plays.”

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman first reported Leavitt was joining FSU’s staff. Leavitt has yet to post on his ever-active Twitter page about the move.

The Eugene-native is months away from making millions in the NFL but first he has major goals in mind at Oregon. Intentionally or not, Herbert’s passion in his final season is bestowing major impact on the future of the Ducks program.

Back-up quarterback Tyler Shough is watching, emulating and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Besides learning from Herbert’s physical mechanics, Shough (rhymes with "Duck") has been impacted on how to carry yourself during practice and take command during a game.

“One thing I’ve seen out of Tyler is, he’s a lot more confident and he’s a lot more precise with what he does,” said wide receiver Bryan Addison. “He knows what he’s doing. (Herbert) is putting a great role model on him. Whenever Tyler is in the game it’s just like (Herbert) is in the game. Really, they are two of the same to me.”

Shough’s reliability illustrated reason to be confident in his role as back-up and a future starting Pac-12 Conference quarterback… A statement Oregon fans haven’t been able to rely on in over five seasons when former Duck Bryan Bennett transferred, the beginning of a slew of many, many, many transfers in and out of the position group.

The No. 15 Ducks got its most substantial glimpse of Herbert’s likely successor in Oregon’s 77-6 win over Nevada. The redshirt freshman threw his first college pass and finished 8-of-9 for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Shough took over in the third quarter and while he didn’t drop any jaws with downfield throws, he did display solid decision making, showed his accurate arm and toughness under pressure.

“He’s got the traits you are looking for at quarterback. In regards to command, personality, understanding the game and work ethic,” Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said. “Tyler has had those since he was a recruit… You can see his physical tools that will enable him to be successful, moving forward.”

The 6-foot-5, 220 pound passer made a couple heads up plays, including one flick to tight end Spencer Webb while getting blitzed on third and nine and showed off his mobility with a 11-yard run. Oregon Coach Mario Cristobal reflected that if Shough hadn’t been tripped up, he would have gone for more.

“I come off as a tall, lanky guy that’s not super fast but I can be sneaky fast,” Shough said. “I’ve been working on it a lot this offseason so it is kind of nice to get into those scenarios.”

Oregon’s likely 2020 starting quarterback’s first college completion was a quick screen pass to the perimeter to junior Jaylon Redd for a seven-yard touchdown. After playing in three games in 2018 without attempting a pass, what will Shough remember most about the moment?

“My teammates and sharing that moment with them,” Shough said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Shough has been grinding in the Oregon weight room and with the second string for over a year and a half. The consensus four-star and top 300 prospect enrolled early in January of 2018 to get a jump start.

“Me and Tyler have some history,” said wide receiver Daewood Davis, who recently moved back to the position from defensive back. “When I was at receiver (last season), that was my guy, I was a two, he was a two. Man, me and Tyler have a connection. Seeing Tyler now, he’s grown up, matured and his arm is a lot stronger, his motion is a lot smoother. He’s a force to be reckoned.”

A post shared by Tyler Shough (@tshough2) on May 30, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT

His Instagram game has stayed the same- photos of the blonde-haired blue-eyed quarterback with friends and family, playing football and exploring the outdoors.

Herbert doesn’t have social media. If he did, his teammates say it’d be photos of the four “fs”: family, friends, fishing and football. While Herbert and Shough’s social media would be similar there is one big difference between them… Experience.

This Saturday against Montana, Shough will likely get some more of that.

Shough was nearly perfect in his most substantial playing time in a Duck uniform, now he holds a chance to build off his performance against the Grizzlies.

What was more impressive: the offense putting up 77 points or the defense holding the Wolf Pack to just six points? The guys then discuss what's ahead for the No. 15 Ducks after an unexpected weekend of PAC-12 football. Can they run the table?

Also, the NFL is back! The guys share their personal experiences of the highs and lows of playing in the NFL.

Oregon vs. Montana: 10 numbers to know

Oregon vs. Montana: 10 numbers to know

Pac-12 after dark could get ugly this week in No. 15 Oregon’s matchup against Montana. The Ducks’ massively overmatch the Griz in their final non-conference game, which kicks off at 7:45 pm in Autzen Stadium in Eugene. Montana has won four of their last five road games and look to improve to 3-0 with a monster road upset over Oregon (1-1).

The Ducks and coach Mario Cristobal aren’t looking past Montana to their Pac-12 Conference opener at Stanford and neither should you. Here are 10 stats and numbers you need to know to be the fan dropping knowledge at the tailgate:

1. INJURY UPDATES

Oregon has yet to see two of its largest offensive weapons play this season and the wait may continue. Cristobal gave an injury update on senior wide receiver Juwan Johnson and junior tight end Cam McCormick.

Johnson’s (leg) availability is likely a Friday or Saturday decision. "It’s a soft tissue thing, so we expect progress and it’s going to be close," Cristobal said. "I think now we’re coming around to this thing could actually be a go.” McCormick (ankle) is unlikely to play this week and is eyeing a return for Oregon's Pac-12 opener at Stanford. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass catcher went through pregame warm-ups prior to the season opener against Auburn but not before last week’s game against Nevada.

2. EAGER PITTMAN

True freshman receiver Mycah Pittman, who was expected to contribute or possibly start this season, suffered a shoulder injury in a fall scrimmage that was supposed to sideline him for six to eight weeks. Pittman tweeted, "2 more weekkksss!" on Sunday, implying a quicker than expected return.

Cristobal addressed the tweet that excited fans who are anxious to watch one of the most praised incoming freshman from teammates and coaches.

“I know everyone is excited about Mycah’s tweet," Cristobal said. "He’s pretty ambitious. We’ve still got to wait a little bit, but he’s getting better. We hope to have him with us in a couple of weeks practicing again."

The initial 6-8 weeks projection would mark Pittman healthy as early as Oregon’s game against Cal on Oct. 5.

3. CRISTOBAL ON FIRE AT HOME

Oregon is looking to improve to 8-1 at home under coach Cristobal.

4. THE SHOUGH SHOW

Back-up quarterback has been a point of contention for Oregon in the last five seasons. The Ducks have seen countless quarterbacks transfer away, leaving a void: Bryan Bennett, Terry Wilson, Travis Jonsen, Braxton Burmeister, etc.

This season, four-star quarterback Tyler Shough has earned the back-up role behind senior Justin Herbert. Shough found success in the home opener and gave fans a little insight into the future as Herbert’s heir. In the most substantial playing time of his career, Shough threw his first college pass and finished 8-of-9 for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

His performance wasn’t the type of awe-inspiring play that causes someone to bet Oregon will win the national championship next season. However, Shough made solid decisions, showed his accurate arm and toughness under pressure. He also used his legs to rush for 11 yards and made a couple heads up plays including one flick to tight end Spencer Webb while getting blitzed on third and nine.

“He was accurate and made a play with his feet as well, got outside the pocket, got tripped up or he would have gone for a little bit more,” Cristobal said. “We felt that since spring, his progress has been great. We trust him to go in there and make plays.”

5. HELLO, FUNA!

The highest ranked linebacker recruit in school history, Mase Funa, is already making an impact for Oregon. The Mater Dei High School alum is the only freshman to have two sacks in a game this season in the FBS. Funa’s four tackles for loss currently lead the Pac-12.

6. DEFENSE TURNING HEADS UNDER ANDY AVALOS

Oregon’s defense has dominated through the first two games of the season under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos. Opponents have reached Oregon territory just 10 times in 30 drives. Oregon’s defense has not allowed a first half touchdown in four consecutive games (28 drives). Also, the Ducks forced four turnovers against Nevada that resulted in 28 points.

7. A DUCK WIN WOULD…

Mark Oregon's 25th consecutive nonconference home win.

Improve Oregon to 8-0-1 against Montana.

Be Oregon's 11th win in the last 12 games at Autzen Stadium.

8. “MR. ELECTRICITY”

Montana senior punt returner Jerry Louie-McGee or “Mr. Electricity” earned ROOT Sports Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after juking his way to a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown. Louie-McGee is the Griz’s special teams star and speed threat at wide receiver. In Saturday’s victory, he averaged 30 yards per kick on five returns for a total of 150 yards - the most in a game of any player in FCS football so far this season by a nearly 40-yards.

9. GRIZ QUARTERBACK IS “HEART AND SOUL OF THE TEAM”

Quarterback Dalton Sneed a fifth-year senior that has impressed Cristobal.

“(Sneed is) very tough, will throw his body around, there’s no hesitation in his game whatsoever,” Cristobal said. “The ball is out quick and it’s accurate. I think he’s a special player.”

Sneed has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 696 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions this season.

10. HIGH-FLYIN’ GRIZ

Montana totaled 520 yards of offense in their victory over North Alabama last Saturday. The Grizzlies have the No. 7 passing and total offense in the FCS.

BONUS

The Ducks opened as five-touchdown favorites over Montana. Currently, the Ducks are 36.5 point favorites.